Falck Sri Lanka provides first aid training to reduce fatalities in road accidents
View(s):Falck Sri Lanka, the first South Asian unit of Falck Denmark, a world’s leading Emergency Medical Service provider, has stepped into provide emergency first aid training for policemen, motorists specially the passenger transport vehicle drivers, and three wheeler drivers as they will be the first responders if any road traffic accidents occur in the surrounding areas, a top official of the company said.
Chief Executive Officer of Falck Sri Lanka Jens Paul Madsen told the Business Times that Falck is ready to extend its expertise to the government’s initiative of making it compulsory for passenger transport vehicles, including SLTB and private buses, motor coaches as well as school vans to undergo emergency first- aid training at an institute authorised by Commissioner General of Motor Traffic.
According to new motor traffic guide lines which come into effect from January 1st 2015, passenger transport vehicle drivers should obtain a special endorsement from the Department of Motor Traffic to drive a motor coach as a public service vehicle.They should complete a first-aid training course conducted by the National Transport Medical Institute or any other institution authorised in writing by the Commissioner General and pass the medical knowledge examination conducted by the Commissioner.The training will include critical life-saving skills, which they can administer during an emergency until professional help and ambulance arrive.
“In most cases injuries are aggravated because of the wrong and unprofessional handling of injured persons/patients before they are transported to hospitals,” said Mr. Madsen adding that “EMS is an essential part of the overall healthcare system as it saves lives by providing immediate care”.
Falck Sri Lanka has the necessary manpower, international know how, equipment and experience to provide emergency first- aid training and it can assist the Motor Traffic Department to implement the training programme countrywide, he said.
Reducing fatalities and severe injuries from road accidents is a priority in a country where emergency ambulance services are inadequate, particularly in rural areas. At least six Sri Lankans are killed every day in road accidents, a figure that has been rising annually.
Some of these deaths could have been prevented if actual medical care is given on the scene and during transport. The police, motorists and the people could play a vital role towards this end but they should be given proper training in emergency care, he pointed out.